Month: July 2015

Each summer, the villages which make up the Hamptons, such as Southampton, Bridgehampton, Amagansett, East Hampton and Montauk to name a few, becomes one of the hottest destinations to visit. Celebrities and socialites escape from New York City to Long Island’s East End to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy some of the best dining and socializing the area has to offer. From steakhouses to cafés, here are some of the hottest places to dine this Hamptons 2015 season.

1. Breakfast at the Southampton Inn’s Café Oso

A hidden Southampton gem, the Southampton Inn’s Café Oso serves its guests and residents quality, traditional breakfast. Executive Chef Peter Ammar is celebrating a decade st at the Inn this year and is particularly well-known for his pancakes, which are served with Vermont maple syrup and Chantilly cream. If you prefer your breakfast cooked in a skillet, Café Oso also serves quality egg dishes including Le Sag Harbor which are two farm eggs scrambled with Nova Scotia smoked salmon, sautéed scallions and cream cheese. Café Oso is open for breakfast, lunch and supper from 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM every day.

The ultimate place for people watching over brunch, 75 Main, with its South of France feel, has attracted such high-profile clientele as Barbara Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Vice President Joe Biden, and Alex Rodriguez. James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Mark Militello’s menu, which assisted in its recognition as one of Long Island’s best brunch spots by USA Today, includes creative classics such as The Watermelon Salad with arugula, crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, red onion and passion fruit vinaigrette; Challah French Toast with melon, berries and whipped cream; or the Mark’s Burger with onion tomato jam, bacon, arugula, gruyere, blue cheese and secret sauce. Late night, 75 Main Owner and Host Zach Erdem turns the restaurant into a bustling lounge where some of the world’s best-known DJs play sets until the early hours.

Amagansett eatery Sotto Sopra brings Northern Italian dining coupled with a taste of a traditional steakhouse to the Hamptons, inviting guests on a culinary journey that highlights the region’s traditional flavors and cooking methods. Sotto Sopra’s expertly crafted menu developed by new Executive Chef Fermin Jimenez who takes advantage of the restaurant’s wood-burning oven to offer up freshly baked breads, crispy Italian style pizza and whole roasted fish. Deliciously fresh salads, antipastos and impeccably flavored pasta dishes round out the menu along with classic “Bisteccheria” options. Under the direction of Managing Partner Rose Evangelista, Sotto Sopra has quickly become one of the most sought-after restaurants on the East End, known for its frequent celebrity guests, relaxing atmosphere, exceptional service and fresh, flavorful fare.

Opened by pianist Bobby Van in 1969, the Bridgehampton location is the original location to establish the great heritage of the Bobby Van’s steakhouse dining experience. The restaurant combines the sophisticated feel of a traditional steakhouse with the airiness of the Hamptons. Guests are able to enjoy signature dishes such as the Harry Salad, named after real estate mogul Harry Helmsley, which includes shrimp, bacon, tomato, string beans, red onion & red pepper; Seared Tuna with edamame, succotash, wakame and miso; or the Porterhouse Steak. Back in the city, the Bobby Van’s steakhouse experience can be savored at five different locations throughout New York including Park Avenue, East 54th Street, West 50th Street, Times Square and at 25 Broad Street.

After three years building a loyal following at the original Bridgehampton location for its authentic Sicilian dishes which highlight the specialties of Salina located in the Aeolian Islands, Osteria Salina has moved this season to 108 Wainscott Stone Road in Wainscott, NY adjacent to Georgica Pond. The new Osteria Salina has undergone a thorough refurbishment that has restored the grandeur of this iconic location known formerly as Sapore di Mare. Experience the intimate private dining room, La Saletta as well as the Georgica Room, which boasts views of Georgica Pond. Socialize in the main room against the backdrop of a castle-like fireplace and hand hewn beams. Osteria Salina offers boasts a wood burning pizza oven in addition to a classic baby grand piano bar lounge, and is continuing its tradition of serving fresh, clean local fare coupled with genuine Sicilian hospitality. Osteria Salina, helmed by Executive Chef & Owner Cinzia Gaglio and Host Tim Gaglio, can now accommodate private events. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment in the piano lounge, with singer Vanessa Trouble singing Saturday nights throughout the month of July, while dining in one of its many old world dining rooms.

After witnessing Jordan Spieth dominate golf’s major tournaments so far this year, it is time to see if you can hold your own against top competition on a world-class course.

Hampton Hills Country Club, a members-only course celebrating its 50th anniversary, offers its members an inviting clubhouse, an impeccable golf course with high-end amenities all while being just ninety minutes outside of New York City.

Bookended by past major tournament hosts Bethpage State Park Black Course and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Hampton Hills is located in the middle of a 2,000 acre pine and oak tree preserve in Westhampton Beach. The peaceful, wooded setting allows club members to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and participate in friendly competition against a challenging Par-71 golf course featuring dramatic elevation changes.

Built in 1965 by Francis J. Duane, the course at Hampton Hills Country Club is said by members to never play the same way twice. Duane, a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, frequently collaborated with famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and designed over a dozen courses with Arnold Palmer including the iconic Sea Pines Country Club course in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Hampton Hills’s course rating is a 73.6, which according to the United States Golf Association (USGA) rates within the average of a good score by a scratch golfer. The course also boasts a slope of 134 out of a maximum 155 for most difficult course according to USGA’s standard.

The club has a full service pro shop available to all members on the premises along with its teaching professionals, both of whom bring PGA and LPGA experience to Hampton Hills to deliver an exemplary sporting experience.

Jack McGown has been the director of golf for the past twenty-eight seasons. A New York native, McGown has been giving lessons for over thirty-five years. His knowledge of golf and understanding of the terrain is reflected in his dominance of the course: Jack holds numerous course records including two tournament wins on the same day.

Hampton Hills’ teaching professional Patricia Baxter-Johnson has held that position for the past four years. A Dr. Rick Jensen Certified Golf Coach and Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Patricia has had the honor of working with some of the game’s greatest instructors, including Chuck Cook and Todd Anderson.Prior to joining the Hampton Hills’s staff, Patricia played on LPGA circuit and participated including several U.S. Women’s Opens, the Women’s British Open and the LPGA Championship competing against the likes of Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa and Michele Wie.

At the end of the course, members are able to enjoy round of cocktails on the clubhouse’s patio or enjoy breakfast or lunch along with a simple bar menu inside, which overlooks the breathtaking 18th green offering members a friendly reprieve from competition at the Hampton Hills Country Club.

25A Magazine featured cover girl glamourous philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, and spoke with her regarding her noted philanthropic work. Jean sits on the boards of eight different charitable organizations- New York Women’s Foundation, Couture Council, NYC Mission Society, French Heritage Society, JBFCS, Lighthouse Advisory Board, Southampton Animal Shelter Honorary Board and Southampton Bath and Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation – not to mention all of the other organizations she has lent her support to. She told the publication that her philanthropy began by volunteering at her daughters’ schools, which led to joining a few charity boards. Once they graduated from high school, she delved deeper into supporting charities both in New York City and the Hamptons. Raised on Long Island, she shared with the publication that she is proud of her roots and it was there that she was instilled with the belief that you should always care for those in need. Jean is noted for her style as depicted in within the pages of 25A.

Since acquiring the Southampton Inn nearly 20 years ago, Dede Gotthelf has strived to connect out of town guests with the local culture and natural beauty of the historic village of Southampton, which is celebrating its 375th anniversary this 2015. Gotthelf serves on the committee for the village’s 375th anniversary. She is also a trustee of the Southampton Historical Museum, the Board of the Hampton Visitor Council as well as being a major supporter of WPPB, Long Island’s only NPR station, The Peconic Land Trust (donating 13 acres of waterfront property) and The Fresh Air Fund (the annual recruiting meeting as well as pool party for local family hosts and their inner city guests). The Southampton Inn takes the phrase “doing well by doing good” quite seriously and has provided support for numerous institutions such as Pianofest in the Hamptons, a concert series presenting the world’s most promising young pianists; Rising Stars, sponsoring young, established musicians for performances in the Southampton Cultural Center; the 10th birthday of East End Regional Intervention Court (EERIC), among others. The Inn provides support by hosting events, contributing, and/or providing guest rooms and services to Southampton Hospital, Rogers Memorial Library, Southampton Historical Museum, Group for the East End, The Southampton Chamber, The Southampton Arts Center, The Police Benevolent Association, Southampton Jewish Center, Greek Orthodox Church, Sacred Heart, Fresh Air Home, Southampton Association, Southampton Yacht Club junior sailing program, as well as the Brearley School, Trinity School, and Williams College among others. Both Dede Gotthelf and Jean Shafiroff are committed to lending their support to philanthropic endeavors benefitting the community.

25A Magazine, named for the route to travel from New York City to Long Island’s luxurious North Shore, is for the discerning reader who’s interested in learning more about the businesses and the parties within this legendary Long Island area. The area known for its fabulous history, most notably known for being the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby, has attracted some of the New York area’s most affluent people.

About Jean Shafiroff:Jean Shafiroff is a noted philanthropist who is actively involved as a volunteer fundraiser and leader of several charitable causes. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect different charitable groups with interested people and resources and sits on the board of eight charities. Each year she chairs, underwrites and hosts several events for many different charities. Jean’s particular interests include charities related to women, health care, animals and the people of the cities she calls home. Jean is on the boards of New York Women’s Foundation, NYC City Mission Society, Couture Council, JBFCS, French Heritage Society, Lighthouse Advisory Board, Honorary Board of Southampton Animal Shelter and Southampton Bath andTennis ClubCharitable Foundation. Jean is also very active with Southampton Hospital and has chaired their Summer Party 3 times for a total of $5.4 million raised. In tandem with her philanthropic responsibilities, Jean has also hosted events in honor of the entertainment industry both in New York and Los Angeles.

About Southampton Inn:With several acres of manicured lawns and gardens in the heart of the Village of Southampton on Long Island’s stunning East End, Southampton Inn provides an idyllic, year-round escape for bustling city-dwellers. Winner of numerous awards, including “Best Breakfast,” “Best Hotel,” and “Best Wedding Location,” Southampton Inn is a warm and welcoming haven with an exemplary reputation that is richly deserved. Celebrate the art of pure relaxation, indulge in a romantic get-away, or enjoy precious time with the entire family – Southampton Inn has everything for the discerning traveler. With 90 well-appointed guestrooms, many of which were renovated this past winter, the Inn is located just steps away from the town’s fine dining restaurants, designer boutiques, art galleries, parks and museums, and a short drive from highly-rated Coopers Beach. The outdoor patio and ballroom were also renovated to ensure the Inn is the perfect home-away-from-home to explore the scenic Hamptons.For more information visit www.southamptoninn.com

About 25A Magazine:25A Magazine is a leading luxury publication dedicated to shining a light on the businesses, events and notable residents of Long Island’s Gold Coast. At the turn of the 20th Century, the North Shore began to develop its illustrious history most notably with some of America’s best-known family dynasties including the Woolworths, Guggenheims and the Whitney’s calling it home. Long Island’s South Fork, best known as the area which makes up the Hamptons, is known for being a haven for celebrity spotting and summertime events and 25A is there to highlight all the happenings in these hotspots.For more information visit: www.25amagazine.com

Leaders from the worlds of cuisine, business and fashion came together in support of cutting-edge cancer research at the eleventh annual A Hamptons Happening fundraiser on July 11 to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF).

Held at the beautiful Bridgehampton estate of Maria and Kenneth Fishel, the popular event was bigger than ever. Hosted for the fourth consecutive year by WCBS-TV news anchor Chris Wragge, the benefit honored business leaders Marc J. Leder, co-CEO of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and Bobby Zarin, Chairman of Zarin Fabrics and real estate developer. American luxury fashion house St. John was the Fashion Honoree.

The event broke previous fundraising records in its 11-year history, bringing in more than $500,000 for the SWCRF.

True to its reputation as the Hamptons’ leading philanthropic feast, A Hamptons Happening treated approximately 500 guests to the gastronomic delights presented by more than 30 of the top restaurants, caterers and food and beverage brands in New York City and the Hamptons. This year’s featured restaurateurs were Mauro Maccioni of the Le Cirque Restaurant Group, which includes Le Cirque, Sirio and Circo, Chef John DeLancie of Crown Group Hospitality, which operates The Lion and Bill’s Food & Drink.

The benefit showcased beautiful artwork for purchase or on auction to raise funds for research. Domingo Zapata’s striking acrylic painting on canvas Thrill of Danger was offered for bid in the event’s online auction hosted on Charitybuzz. Hamptons artist Daniel Pollera presented his oil painting symbolizing the SWCRF’s mission to cure cancer “A Path to a Cure,” which benefits the SWCRF through proceeds from poster sales. Finally, American Expressionist Harold Garde, represented by ArtPort, presented 16 pieces from his SIGHTINGS collection of abstracted landscapes for sale.

The evening’s awards ceremony was hosted by Chris Wragge, A Hamptons Happening founding co-chair Laurie Schaffran and SWCRF founder and CEO Samuel Waxman, M.D., who presented SWCRF awards to honorees Marc J. Leder and Bobby Zarin. Leta Saveikis, St. John’s Vice President of Retail – Boutiques, accepted the SWCRF Fashion Icon honoree award on behalf of St. John. Closing the show on a rousing note was country music artist Jon Stone of the duo American Young who surprised his friend Bobby Zarin with a performance of his Grammy-nominated hit song “Love is War” in tribute to their friendship.

The live auction conducted by Grandstand Sports offered luxurious items and experiences including dinner for ten prepared by Egidiana Maccioni, mother of Mauro Maccioni, co-owner of the Le Cirque Restaurant Group, a pair of his and her electric bikes by Polaris eBikes, and a baseball autographed by the three New York Yankees Perfect Game pitchers David Cone, Don Larsen and David Wells. The online auction hosted on Charitybuzz offered a chance to bid on special experiences such as a virtual matchmaking session with Patti Stanger, star of Bravo’s “The Millionaire Matchmaker.”

A Hamptons Happening was chaired by event co-founders Marion Waxman and Laurie Schaffran as well as Michael Trokel and Pamela Morgan. Additional chairpersons included Jessica Cohen as auction chair, Kara Council as marketing chair, Erica Fineberg as journal chair, Sarah Sarpolis as PR and social media chair and Christine Silverstein as chefs chair.

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded approximately $90 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org.

Bobby Van’s Steakhouse has earned its place as a venerable New York institution, thanks in part to a continued commitment to cooking techniques perfected years ago by the founding fathers of New York steakhouse cuisine. Celebrating its 46th Anniversary in 2015, Bobby Van’s grew from its original home in Bridgehampton, NY, and now includes a repertoire of nine fine restaurants that offer the refined style of a classic New York City steakhouse.

A quintessential steakhouse, Bobby Van’s is at the roots of the New York steakhouse family tree, with strong employee connections to original famed eateries. It is restaurants like Bobby Van’s that have inspired a legion of imitators, but Bobby Van’s still shines as a premier authentic steakhouse. When restaurateur and Chef Robert Dickert – the great-nephew of steakhouse legend Peter Luger – joined the Bobby Van’s team in 1996, he brought with him a wealth of family knowledge and tradition. These traditions of quality food and superior customer service are still the hallmark of Bobby Van’s dining experience today. Dicker remains at Bobby Van’s where he helps to oversee the all-important process of selecting and dry aging the kitchen’s quality prime beef. Executive Chef Craig Jermin, who has also been at the company some 20 years, says the culinary team are passionate about the age-old family techniques that have been passed down for generations. “We are proud of our connection to the Luger tradition and are fiercely dedicated to providing the very best steak in New York City.”

The process of dry aging its USDA prime quality beef is key to developing the superior flavor of Bobby Van’s’ steaks, Jermin says, which they do “the old fashioned way”. Once the team carefully selects well-raised and well-marbled steak, they age it in a specially-designed, humidity-controlled room for up to 28 days, which tenderizes it and enriches the flavor. Prime beef aside, the kitchen import the majority of their seafood from overseas. “If you want to serve the best, you have to source and buy the best,” Jermin says. The tuna is flown in from the Maldives, the Branzino comes from Spain, and salmon from Scotland. Locally, Bobby Van’s seafood supplier has 30 boats in the water providing the kitchen with the freshest fish and shellfish daily. The restaurant offers guests a wide variety of dining options outside of prime beef and seafood, including supremely-prepared pastas and wood-fired pizza.

In New York City, where restaurants tend to shine brightly then fade like a show on Broadway, Bobby Van’s Steakhouse has more than passed the test of time. Each night the restaurants pack out with Wall Street tycoons, famous athletes, New York’s political tycoons, celebrities, and others wanting to experience to soak up the elegant atmosphere and impeccable service. Bobby Van opened his first restaurant in Bridgehampton, New York in the summer of 1969. After two successful decades, Bobby sold this restaurant to a group of four restaurateurs: Joseph Smith, Joe Phair, Rick Passarelli, and Joe Hickey who opened a second Bobby Van’s Steakhouse location in the Helmsley Building on Park Avenue.

The Bobby Van’s Family has grown to also include Bobby Van’s Steakhouse and Grill on Broad Street in the Financial District, Bobby Van’s Grill on East 54th Street, two Times Square locations on West 45th Street and West 50th Street, two Washington D.C. locations, an airport restaurant in JFK’s Terminal 8, and a take-out burger joint called BV’s Burger, which is also located in Times Square.

Dining outdoors is a quintessential part of the New York restaurant experience throughout the summer months. Whether it’s on a sidewalk café or courtyard, enjoy a quality meal al fresco at some of the city’s biggest hotspots. Below are some of the highlights of the New York outdoor dining scene.

A. G. Kitchen

The summer heat tunes your appetite to the tastes and spices of Latin and American cuisine for which the go-to eatery to fulfill your desires is A.G. Kitchen. Named for the initials of famed Chef Alex Garcia, A. G. Kitchen brings the tastes of Latin America coupled with classic American comfort food to the Upper West Side. Renowned for its varieties of made-to-order guacamole (Classic, Pineapple and Pomegranate, and Papaya and Mint), plus entrees such as the Brazilian-style Samba Chicken, Manhattan Latin burger, in addition to the city’s most authentic tasting Cubano. This causal eatery is a neighborhood staple offering tantalizing Latin and American comfort food with a contemporary New York twist.

This four-floor venue is a premiere destination for game viewing, enjoying after-work drinks, or grabbing a bite, however it’s Latitude’s fourth floor roof deck that is a neighborhood hot spot during the summer months. Small plates such as the Hummus Platter Trio (Sriracha, Edamame, and Baba Ganoush hummus with vegetables and chips); Homemade Rosemary, Garlic, and Olive Oil Grilled Flatbread with Pan Roasted Shitake and Portobello Mushrooms, Black Truffle Oil and Fresh Mozzarella Cheese; and a variety of spring rolls are ideal for sharing while sipping on ice cold drafts or craft cocktails.

Whether hanging with an after-work crowd or planning a private party, Social’s rooftop bar is the ultimate Midtown destination. Enjoy a cold brew from the bar’s menu of craft and draft beers then share some of the lounge’s mouthwatering appetizers such as Hot Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheddar Dip or Social Nachos (tri-colored chips layered with grilled peppers, black beans, red onions, scallions, cilantro, cheddar, and jack cheese and a tomato cheese sauce). A menu of heartier bar fare, like sliders, salads, wings, burgers, mac-n-cheese, and pizzas round out this spirited menu.

EZBZ Inc. launched a new partnership with New York institution B&H Photo & Electronics providing services for the esteemed brand’s consumers on June 18, 2015. Now when customers purchase merchandise which requires installation, like a new home theater or stereo surround sound system, they will be directed to a widget for myEZBZ. The platform will then autofill a service request based on the customer’s B&H purchase and send it out to the businesses within reach for a consultation, thus eliminating the hassle of finding a service provider to do that installation work.

Founded in 2011 by CEO Shana Schlossberg, myEZBZ was set up with the mission of connecting small businesses with the consumer on a fair market platform, with each business within the platform vetted through its patent pending technology, ensuring that each business receiving an inquiry for services is legitimate. Through Shana’s personal experiences in the telecom industry, she learned that people pay top dollar to be amongst the first listed in the Yellow Pages, because research suggests people will often ignore any listed after the fourth business under any particular subcategory. This means that businesses with more capital behind them might get listed above those which have the best reputation. To combat this, myEZBZ prides itself on not utilizing “pay for play” measures like a top Google or Yelp search result, meaning that every business has an equal opportunity to provide services. Instead, myEZBZ awards badges to contractors and businesses based on their practices and the overall customer experience. myEZBZ is available for free download in the App store and on Google Play.

ABOUT EZBZ:

Established in 2011, EZBZ is a social and honest marketplace where users post whenever they need a product or service, and responses are generated in the form of competitive bids from local businesses. Once a query is entered, EZBZ identifies and notifies local vendors that offer that product or service, sending them a request allowing them to respond with pricing and availability. Users typically begin receiving responses from businesses in minutes and, in many cases, with accurate pricing, thus saving the consumer time spent making phone calls, comparing prices or searching online. EZBZ’s goal is to offer its users a solution that is simple, efficient and affordable, while empowering thousands of local businesses that now have an equal opportunity to bid for a consumer’s business.For more information visit www.myezbz.com

ABOUT B&H PHOTO & ELECTRONICS:

As the world’s largest source of professional video, photo, and electronics, B&H Photo is known worldwide for the knowledgeable salespeople and fast, reliable shipping that have been satisfying customers for over 30 years. B&H is world-renowned as the place to be for all photo, video, pro audio, and digital imaging needs. Founded in 1973 as a storefront film shop, the New York City operation quickly grew to become the largest non-chain photo and video equipment store in the United States. The store carries a wide range of products, as well as professional and specialty equipment for sale both in-store and online.For more information, visit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/